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<p>I have no issues doing that. However, due to his expressed wishes and logistical concerns, it will have to be in the near future.</p>
<p>Right Cobrat. Send with a nice note a week or so after the friend gets home.</p>
<p>Quick update.</p>
<p>Encountered a half-hour bus delay due to mechanical problems. Fortunately, the bus driver made up enough time so it was only delayed by 10 minutes which still gave me a tiny margin. </p>
<p>Despite missing the primary local bus directly to the funeral home, I remembered there was another local bus line which came close to the area so I asked the bus driver and he assured me he goes close by and the distance from that point was a short walk. Everyone else on the bus were locals who knew each other and upon overhearing, offered their condolences and an impromptu tour of the town. </p>
<p>When the bus driver dropped me off, a passenger who got off with me offered to walk me straight to the funeral home and I made a new friend along the way. Ended up arriving with 5 minutes to spare. Weather was sunny, but a bit chilly at times. </p>
<p>Funeral ceremony at home was followed by a funeral mass at a nearby chapel which was touching. My friend and some family/friends gave moving tributes to the deceased. </p>
<p>Afterwards, we drove to the cemetery for the burial ceremony and then we were all invited to join the family for the post-funeral meal in a local restaurant. I got to reacquaint myself with some older family members and friends along with making new acquaintances with others. </p>
<p>After the meal where the family insisted all of my friend’s younger pals including yours truly took some food/desserts for the road home, one of my friend’s relatives drove my friend, myself, and other friend back to his deceased relative’s home to help organize/arrange things. </p>
<p>I was asked to help with posting CL ads with photos to help the family sell/give away what they didn’t want to keep. After a few hours of this, resting, and hanging out with my friend, the other friend and I took a local nearby bus back to the bus terminal and caught the bus back to NYC. </p>
<p>This coming weekend, a friend who wasn’t able to make the funeral and I will get together to write sympathy cards to be sent so it arrives a week after my friend returns to his home. </p>
<p>Will also prepare to go up to help him with arranging/wrapping up of his relative’s affairs/things in the near future when he is ready.</p>
<p>Very nice!!</p>
<p>Cobrat- If you were my child, I would be EXTREMELY proud of you! You have done well in the world by reaching out to your friend and “leaning in” during his time of need. I am so glad your travels worked out well!</p>
<p>^agree. You did well and I can only hope my kids act in a similar manner.</p>